Gertrude W. (Trudy) Parsons died Thursday, July 5, 2012, at the Valley Inn in Mancos, Colo., from complications of diverticulitis. She was 85. Mrs. Parsons was born February 22, 1927, in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of Rudolph and Hermine Dorfer Walters. She graduated from New Hope High and spent 22 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve and U.S. Navy in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. She had been a resident of Durango since 2001. Friend Cathy McKnight says, “The McKnight family will miss Trudy deeply. Trudy loved children and would regularly attend our son's baseball and basketball games. She made friends with the other parents and enjoyed watching their children as well. We will all miss our cheerleader. Trudy’s son Michael always said that his mom was the most thoughtful, kind and loving mom that anyone could have.” Trudy is preceded in death by her husband, James D. Parsons, and son, Michael J. Parsons, who died December 8, 2009. She is survived by brother Rudolph (Rudy) Walters of Pennsylvania and three nephews: Brian G. Walters, David R. Walters and Donald K. Walters. Contributions may be sent to First United Methodist Church (FUMC) c/o Children's Ministry, 2917 Aspen Dr., Durango, CO 81301. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday June 12, 2012, at First United Methodist Church.